You can already control a few car brands with Google Assistant and Google Home (Hyundai and its Blue Link come to mind), and now Kia is joining the ranks. The car manufacturer announced at CES that the Assistant will be compatible with its UVO infotainment system, through UVO Agent, which will allow users to execute some remote functions on their vehicle by talking to Google Assistant.
The UVO Agent remote functions available are start and stop for the engine, climate control, charge start and stop, horn and lights, and lock. It will be supported on the 2018 Niro PHEV, Soul EV, Optima PHEV, and K900. The UVO Agent doesn't appear to be accessible yet in the Assistant directory but it should be here when it does go live. So yup, we're getting ever closer to having our cars go run our errands for us and come back home.
PRESS RELEASE
Kia Motors America Introduces Google Assistant Into The Award- Winning UVO Infotainment System
The Google Assistant Enables Kia Owners to Use Voice Commands with Select Vehicles
-- UVO Agent for the Google Assistant puts the power and convenience of the Assistant into the hands of Kia Niro Plug-In, Soul EV, Optima Plug-In and K900 owners.
-- Easy-to-use voice assistant that enhances owner experience.
LAS VEGAS, Jan 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show today, Kia Motors America (KMA) announced the addition of UVO Agent for compatible Kia vehicles, which allows Kia owners to interact with the Google Assistant on their phones or Google Home to execute a variety of remote commands. The Kia integration with the Google Assistant is now available for use in the following Kia vehicles with compatible UVO hardware; the 2018 Niro PHEV, Soul EV1, Optima PHEV and K9002.
The UVO Agent can be easily set up through the Google Assistant or Google Home app. Simple voice commands are all that's needed to control your compatible Kia model and allows the user to access a variety of functions. Commands include, "Tell UVO to start my Soul EV," or "Tell UVO to lock my Niro." UVO Agent features include Remote Start/Stop Engine, Remote Climate Control, Remote Charge Start/Stop, Remote Horn and Lights and Remote Lock3.
"Our customers inspired this latest enhancement to the Kia ownership experience," said Henry Bzeih, director, connected car & mobility services, strategy & planning, KMA. "With more people using smart technology at home and work, it was a natural extension to bring this easy to use and widely adapted platform to the driver's seat. With a simple voice command, Kia owners can interface with their vehicles in the same manner they use the Google Assistant in their homes."
The Google Assistant can provide real-time answers, activate streaming music services, smart home devices, and now, smart car and connected car technology allowing for seamless connectivity directly into Kia vehicles. The Google Assistant is available on select Android4 phones, select Apple iPhone5, smart speakers like Google Home and more.
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly built in West Point, Georgia.*
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* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
1 Soul EV in select markets with limited availability.
2 "Niro Plug In Hybrid (MY2018+); Soul EV (MY2017+); Optima Plug-In Hybrid (MY2017+); and K900 (MY2016+).
3 "Remote features require a wireless signal with good coverage to function, and normal cellular service rates may apply. Do not use remote climate control if vehicle is in an enclosed environment (e.g., closed garage).
4 Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
5 iPhone8 and iPhoneX are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc.
